BigMusclesBill (who hadn't been called that in two years until this past week again) smiled as he placed the last polished ring into the box that held all the rings they'd worked hard on for the last few days.
They'd been a joy to work on, almost as if they were doing them again back on Theldesia. They'd made a number then. This was probably more than double that number, but it had come to their hands easily.
In the box on one side was the royal set for Shiroe. King, queen, and one special knight. The next row had one of each again, but were Purrcy's. Set with those and around them were multiple rooks, bishops, knights, and pawns.
It was more than they'd asked for, but the blacksmiths of Earth's Amenoma figured having extras made now might help them later. Besides, BigMusclesBill had wanted at least pawn recognition to replicate the favor he'd received at the first court. He also wanted the title of Royal Blacksmith on Earth as well as Theldesia.
Shiroe had also made two special requests. He'd handed over a simple circlet and asked them to replicate it, but not get them mixed up, and he'd asked for a special chain of office to be made of mixed metals.
It had taken them a bit to come up with eleven different metals to weave together and they'd had to be creative so that it didn't get overwhelmingly thick. In the end it was an intriguing specimen. As they'd worked on it, it had occurred to them that the Round Table Council had eleven guilds sitting on it. They didn't know for sure, but wondered if that might have something to do with it.
BigMusclesBill picked up those items now and set them carefully in the box he was putting together and covered them with cloth, then set the box of rings on top of that. Shiroe had asked them to go ahead and be the holders of the regalia for now, until the wedding.
That was a rather weighty responsibility given how expensive all this stuff was in one place. Only he knew about what was in the bottom two layers, though, and given Purrcy's paranoia about letting things like those out of her hands, he knew well enough to play it light and guard it tight.
He sealed the top of the outer box and hefted it in his arm. "You do dress up well," he said, with an appraising look at Tatara.
She blushed slightly. "You do, too."
He smiled and kissed her and they headed out the door. This was going to be a wedding to remember, for sure, but his favorite was the one they'd had three months ago.
-:-:-:-:-
Michael carefully laid out his clothing for the day, making sure he had everything as he went. He was feeling excitement, sure - way underneath things. Over that was nervousness. Would Purrcy run at the last minute? Would they get the next, last minute postponement?
He wondered if Nyanta had felt this way the day he'd stood waiting to see if she would come and actually stand for their ceremony. In the dark recesses of the fear that went with the nervousness he was quite certain Nyanta had. Since Michael had escorted Purrcy he didn't know for certain, but he was pretty sure now that he was on this side of things.
Over that layer was the layer of gratitude that they'd reached this day. Purrcy had been brought back successfully, she'd accepted his entreaties, and through all the crazy things until now, they were finally really here. He could only be grateful he would be able to have her by his side and be able to stand by hers.
That layer led into the one he was feeling most today: somber. Not a dark somber, but the somber that responsibility and reward earned through hard effort brought. He'd felt it before, when he was done standing vigil for his Master at Arms and was preparing for the investing ceremony. He was sort of doing the same again.
His hand reached down and ran along his white leather baldric. The firm, cool, smooth feel reminded him again of the formality of that event. It was only play to those who watched from the outside. For those who'd worked hard to earn it, it was an achievement of high level that brought this kind of soberness. The responsibilities that went with the peerage weren't play, nor necessarily light if the person carrying them took them that way.
That day had also reminded him of the day he'd passed basic training and his other required early training and had been sworn into the Navy. That had been more exciting and perhaps a little less somber, but coupled with receiving his advancement to the rank of Commander certainly had felt that way.
Commander was even more sobering (and really any increase in rank) because you knew there were going to be lives in your hands - real ones that would be facing real death. The original knights and masters at arms had been the same. When one became one, even in play, you couldn't help but be reminded of that as well. That the nobility who'd lifted the sword led their men into battle, the same as he did in real life.
Michael sighed a bit to release some of the weight being built up by those thoughts. He moved down the bed, touching each item, remembering its meaning to him. The sword was next. Real swords were gifted at the time of peerage. He would wear his.
In Japan they weren't supposed to, but it was a European weapon, not Japanese, and they were going to call it a prop if asked. To all of them it had a lot more meaning than that. It had meant life on Theldesia almost as much as it had on Earth in history.
His chain had been gifted to him by the Master who he'd been squire to in the Navy. The cool links under his fingers brought back memories of that time as well and the pride in that man's eyes - the same pride Michael had felt when Reed had been advanced to Master at Arms.
He was grateful for that man and his support, the same as he was for Reed. Together, with those who'd also worked so hard like them, they formed a brotherhood of honor. Being officers in the military made it a double there as well.
The next thing he wanted but wasn't sure of. It was a piece that belonged and he wanted them for a secondary and new reason. It was a pair of spurs and he wanted them because they were now also a symbol of his role as Purrcy's protector. It was symbolic of his demon claws, one of which was a spur-like claw on the back of each of his heels. She would likely understand, even if no one else did.
The remainder of the items on the bed were the wedding clothes Shiroe had picked out and his boots. Shiroe had managed to find white boots, of all things. Michael smiled slightly at that. Given that the few times Michael had been the white Avenging Angel for the Caretaker had been as solemn as this morning was, and as focused on his role as her Guardian, the white clothing was also symbolic and fitting.
The only thing that would be missing would be the earring to warn him of danger. He was almost tempted to try to pull it out, but it likely wouldn't work the same and a red dangling gem from his ear would so clash with all the white and the bits of gold.
Still ...when the thought wouldn't go away even after he was dressed, Michael pulled it out and put it on anyway, then used a small illusion to hide it. It might be a useful test of the compatibility of magics and magic items between the two worlds.
The jangle of the spurs and the clop of the boots announced his arrival before he reached his door to answer the knock at it. Naotsugu paused at the full uniformed look and the sober strong look on Michael's face. He bowed formally. "The car is ready. ...Sir Michael."
"It's Master Michael here on Earth, and properly there as well. It was just difficult for the People of the Land to understand that concept," Michael corrected calmly.
Naotsugu gave him a bit of a twinkle of humor in understanding. It had been a tease to begin with. Michael had understood but wanted to get it corrected sooner than later this time.
He walked down the hall with Naotsugu, holding onto the pommel of the sword, getting used to it again since it was still rare to wear it here. His sounds continued on down the hall before him. Naotsugu did give him a raised eyebrow, but didn't ask and Michael didn't tell.
After Michael had settled into his seat in the car, he pulled out his cell phone. He needed to address the anxiousness that was rising now. "Purrcy?"
"Yes, Michael?" she answered.
"Don't run."
She sighed. "I won't. ...But I do wish the parallels would stop."
"...He did feel this way, then."
"Most likely. He said the same thing at any rate. And I'm feeling just as fated and closed in with severe protectors who are going to see I don't, so you really don't need to worry, I think."
Michael slumped slightly inside - at least the worried layer did. "Good." He was rather sure Purrcy had just stuck her tongue out at him, but he didn't care. "I'll also expect you to arrive safely."
"They're protecting me and I've properly done my part for that as well. I will say the same for you," Purrcy replied.
"I will," he said with soft reassurance, then let her get back to her own preparations. He spent time remembering what it had been like to watch her then, being prepared for that wedding. He was sure it wasn't much different for her this time, facing her insecurities, fears, and inescapable requirement yet again.
-:-:-:-:-
Purrcy was quietly accepting the ministrations of the ladies, as she had the first time. She'd put her foot down on the Japanese idea of beauty to be covered with white paint on the face, neck, ears, hands, and wrists. She was already white. She'd allowed a base coat of her own coloring on her face only.
Akatsuki, on the other hand, had received the full white base coat. That was okay, although it made her look very different in Purrcy's eyes. Really, Purrcy thought it better that way anyway since Rieze was wanting time to do both brides. She'd brought an assistant with her to do Akatsuki's base layer. Rieze had just finished with Purrcy and was moving on to Akatsuki now.
The final three bobby pins went into Purrcy's hair and Luna stepped back to review her handiwork. She gave one final setting spritz of hairspray, then turned to Akatsuki, rubbing her hands a bit and pulling out another set of the fine tools used in hair work.
"It's beautifully done, Purrcy," Marielle said kindly, reaching out her hands. Purrcy allowed Marielle to help her rise to her feet. The look on Marielle's face was a bit concerned. "You were like this before. Quiet, obedient, still. But it was hard to read if you were happy or not. Now that you're not felinoid it's easier to tell you won't smile. Aren't you happy?"
Purrcy paused, a little surprised. She slowly smiled gently for Marielle. "It's complex, my emotions. The smile isn't on top. I'm sure it will come out later. While we're in preparations, there's a lot swirling around in there. It's just easier to let that happen under the quiet exterior."
Marielle glanced at Akatsuki and Purrcy looked as well. "Yes, she is happy and she has every right to be. It's her first time, her time to shine brightly with as large a smile as she wants to face the world with."
Purrcy squeezed Marielle's hands. "It's okay, Marie. I am old and carry baggage with me now. It can't be helped. I'm grateful you are all here with me and that I can support Akatsuki with all of you as well."
Marielle tried to relax and shoo her concern away. She led Purrcy over to Mei-Mao and her assistant and once again they dressed her in her wedding clothing and once again Purrcy wanted to flee and had to hold herself obedient and still, going back to not thinking about it too hard, or it hurt too much.
The dress was much more suited to her this time, although the other had been rather glorious and fun and she supposed had worked well for her felinoid figure. Her matronly figure here on Earth demanded more European and American lines in her clothing and these were certainly that. As had been said when she tried it on, it was made to make her look like a queen - this time more like Queen Elizabeth, another well known royal historical figure.
When they were done getting her dressed, she called Luna over and handed her the crown that went with her dress. The other ladies froze, then slumped. Purrcy sat back down in her chair and the crown was set carefully on top of her head, then pinned in place as well. Purrcy wasn't going to tell them where it came from and they didn't ask.
With its simple crenellations it was much more suited to the day's activities than the last headdress. It was heavier than she liked for long term wear, but it wasn't as heavy as the headdress. The weight, as always, reminded her of the responsibilities that went with leadership.
Her roles had always been to take care of others and the crown had always been to her the symbol of stewardship and servitude, although great power came with it as well so that those functions could be performed properly.
Careful consideration of each request had to be kept in mind at all times - requests that came to her and requests that she made of others - so that corruption was refused and right and proper actions were taken to benefit the whole, not the individual, although blessing the lives of individuals was a joy to be remembered as well.
Purrcy took in a breath and sighed. Here on Earth it wasn't so formal and necessary, even though she cared for the little flock of the guild and for her own children and Michael's son. It was a large burden on Theldesia. She'd let that burden stay there today.
She rose and walked to the window. In her mind's eye, she saw the green, the trees and gardens, the blue sky. Her physical eyes saw the busy street, the tall buildings that barely any blue peeked around at their edges, the people in their droves walking and driving by, or waiting for the bus at the corners.
She worked hard to not cry and ruin Rieze's makeup work. Smaller arms slipped around her and held her. She closed her eyes and breathed deep until she could turn and hold Minori back. "Thank you," she whispered when she'd finally found her voice.
"I'm sorry the rest of your family can't be here, too," Minori said. "I'm sure they would like to be here for you also if they could."
Purrcy smiled a little for her. "The ones on Theldesia wouldn't understand. My children here would, but it would be too difficult. It's enough to have you all here this time."
"Purrcy," Akatsuki said hesitantly from her chair, "why didn't you tell them about the Eagles? MeowLi was so surprised to learn about them when she first came." Akatsuki bit her lip. "I - I don't want to -"
"No, it's okay," Purrcy said to calm her. She took Minori's hand in hers, needing the human contact, and walked over closer to Akatsuki so they could actually see each other. Nazuna brought over Purrcy's chair and she sat across from the diminutive woman. Minori kindly stayed with Purrcy.
Purrcy considered her answer. She wouldn't be able to say all of it probably. "In my case, I didn't because of two reasons. One was that Michael came to the Gate of Time. Nyanta was furious when he first discovered it and I needed to give him all of my attention regardless. To have talked about it when he was angry would have only made him more angry.
"Then we weren't in the habit and life got very busy, as it does when you're parents of children. Being parents of quadruplets made it all that much more busy. It never really came up I suppose."
Purrcy sat back. "The second reason is because I was seeing them every day anyway. I didn't need to tell stories to remember them because I was in the middle of taking care of them, too. The rest of you didn't need daily care and Nyanta would bring you up naturally on his own.
"Plus we knew we would need to have MeowLi understand how to live in Akiba so there were regular lessons to help her know how to live. The Eagles weren't in Akiba for her to meet." She looked into Akatsuki's eyes and saw sorrow and pain. "Why?"
"Because they were such a big part of our life while they were there, and you loved them, too."
Purrcy smiled in memory. "Yes, that is true, and particularly for you as well." She considered it, "I suppose I can see how it would be a loss to think she and the others wouldn't know them, but the Eagles are on a different path even though we intersect at times. Even here only a few have come this time. I do love them and am proud of them all like I am of you and each of my children.
"I'm sorry you feel sad, but really, it's okay. Maybe someday they'll be able to meet in some way. My children there do understand that I have and know many children that they will never meet." She gave a bit of a teasing grin, "I have many even you've not met. I've walked all of Theldesia and in every country and region people call me 'mother' in their own languages.
"The Eagles are my Sons of America. The fact that you had the privilege of meeting them here on your own land is a rarity for my children. I'm pleased you appreciate that gift of time spent with them." She kept the teasing look on until Akatsuki blushed and looked down.
Akatsuki sighed and said, "Still...I would have liked to have shared my happiness to know them with her."
Purrcy reached over and took one of Akatsuki's painted hands carefully in both of her own. "Thank you for telling her your stories so that she can think of them with stars in her eyes. You were able to pass your own joy along to her.
"I told her more stories of my travels with them after you all left. She wouldn't let me alone until I did, on many days." She smiled kindly into Akatsuki's eyes and finally Akatsuki relaxed.
"Well ...that's good then," Akatsuki said.
Purrcy pressed her hand one more time, let it go, and leaned back again. "While we wait for you to be finished, shall I tell you one of the stories of what the Eagles did as pirates on the high seas?"
Akatsuki's eyes lit up and the rest of the women in the room couldn't keep their smiles down. Purrcy laughed a bit and launched into one of her favorites and the time passed better for her from then.
-:-:-:-:-
It was good to get the reminder when she was supposed to be looking forward today, even though it brought up the confusing mix again that Purrcy just didn't know what to do with. It still felt wrong to be happy being with Michael, to feel the joy and fun like she'd felt during those pirate battles and the other things she'd walked through with him and his men.
Purrcy was drawn to Michael, wanting his protection, his love, and his concern. Even more - wanting his arms around her and his warmth with her. When she thought of only him, she was content with her path.
If that were only enough. If it was unbalanced at all, the betrayal it was to Nyanta tore her from it and made her want to run. The pain would overwhelm her at times, like just before Minori had interrupted her at the window and the distraction Akatsuki had offered. Purrcy's grief was still so close to the surface and today it was particularly difficult. Her confusion didn't help at all.
At her last wedding, she'd known her first husband had already been done with the marriage and he'd already signed the divorce papers. It had already been a dying relationship. Her relationship with Nyanta wasn't dead. It was still living, but on hold - like it was in hibernation, sleeping beneath the surface of the earth covered in snow, waiting for the spring warming sun to arrive again.
Here she stood at the cusp of cold winter, having been told she couldn't be the sleeping plant, too, but must stay standing on the surface and learn a new thing. Her arms wrapped around herself and her hands held her elbows as she stood at that place, cold and afraid.
How to survive living in the winter sun? The warmth that offered to surround her called, beckoned to her, and she craved it. She wanted to curl up in it, wrap up in the blanket that was offered. Could she really be one woman in the two halves of the seasons that way?
The only thing that made walking forward today possible was that the love that was hibernating under the snow had told her to do it, told her to seek that warmth that was offered, and had even told Michael to give it to her. It was hard for Purrcy to comprehend why Nyanta would have, other than because he couldn't this time.
Her heart wanted to break for his sake - the Nyanta of this Earth - but she'd given him the same gift, the same warmth to seek in his own wife's arms. She couldn't selfishly take the same gift, but they both wouldn't let her turn from it.
Purrcy stood facing a Nyanta who was now seen only through the ice between seasons, unreachable, his orders still ringing in her ears, her heart still his. She didn't know how to turn to look away and see life in a new and different way without her heart breaking and her guilt consuming her.
A regular and very distinctive sound was making it's way into her ears as she stood only seeing her thoughts, feeling only her feelings, but her head turned so her ear could more clearly hear it coming and then there was the beginnings of warmth.
"Michael, hold me." If she could feel that warmth around her perhaps she would understand and be able to take this next giant step forward that she was facing. "If you want to keep me, if it's really okay with Nyanta, hold me."
Michael's hand was on her elbow, turning her, and his arms were pulling her into his chest. The thick chain around his neck was cold on her cheek, the stiff leather baldric across his chest firm under her hand, but his arms were strong and warm, as was his chest. The lift and fall of his chest and the beat of his heart said that here was also a living being that knew how to walk in this place she was sent to learn to walk in. His strength said that he would see she didn't fall.
And then suddenly and surprisingly, she was enfolded in more than his arms. Her eyes flew open but they weren't visible. Even still she knew he'd wrapped his wings around her, and the warmth filled her, chasing away the chill that had filled her until then, trying to chase away the fear and the doubt. Unable to prevent it, her tails came out and brushed on the wings, needing to feel they were really there, and the bushy fur added to the warmth.
"Ah, Purrcy," Michael breathed the sigh, warm on her face as he murmured her name. "I'll not make it, wanting to take you to the bower before we even begin. I'm here. Walk with me and we'll get there together, the other side of that stage. Then I'll be able to comfort you properly."
"Give me another minute to recover and settle first," she asked, still needing time. "I need to do this properly to honor the past as well." His wings pulled in a little more snug.
Purrcy put away all but two tails, the more full number being too much at the moment. Her ear twitched and Michael gently pet it but didn't tell her to put it away so it was probably still spirit only. She took a breath and sighed it out, purposely relaxing.
To the Nyanta behind the ice, she bowed in honor and obedience, then turned herself slowly, wanting to hear him call out to her, but he didn't and his words were still law. She took a deep breath as if entering new water and buried her face in Michael's shoulder, trembling. "Hold me."
His arms tightened on her and she took another breath, then one more. She let it out slowly and let his warmth in, making herself accept that this was her new normal, her new path forward, and that it might be okay to even want it, until she was relaxed in his arms trusting them and him. "Lead me, Michael. Don't let go. It's a new path to learn to walk and I am a child again."
"I love you, Purrcy. I won't let go...ever. I promise, like I've already promised, to teach you and lead you." Michael placed a warm kiss on her forehead. "Just promise to always walk with me."
"I won't leave. There isn't anywhere else to go," she said. "Only here is safety and the warmth I need." She forced the words to settle into her firmly, to make her heart believe it. It was what she wanted and it was what was necessary to be obedient. When the two were finally merged in her heart to match what her mind understood she sighed softly one more time and pulled away slightly, putting her tails away.
Michael opened his wings enough Purrcy could move and he allowed her to pull away, but he didn't let go until he'd studied her face. Before she could look up at him, though, she blushed. He smiled. "Going to really be the blushing bride today, then?"
She tossed her head, careful to not unseat the crown, and looked into his face, "I'd rather be the saucy wench of the pirate king ...so that I can actually face people."
He immediately pulled her in for a roguish sort of kiss, moving a hand to her hip, willing to help with that. Then he put his wings away and pulled her to his side to tuck her under his arm. "Shall we sally forth and take the prize, then?"
Purrcy looked up to see Shiroe watching them. He seemed satisfied she'd recovered, but he folded his arms in slight impatience. She paused, then gave him a one-sided sardonic smile. "When you've got a past to even speak of, then I'll listen to that. ...Brat." The last was muttered in English.
Shiroe raised an eyebrow lightly. Michael chuckled then raised a hand to Shiroe. "Give her a minute more. She's still putting on her armor."
Purrcy looked around. They were in a side room, just the bridal party, gathering to enter the main room. Somehow she'd just been dragged along with everyone without paying attention to things outside of her. It had been rather necessary, though. The other women were perhaps not so concerned now that Michael had her under wing (literally there for a while), and none of them were putting her under pressure.
Purrcy took a breath and stood up straighter. Michael let her go, although he took her hand, likely to reassure himself still that she wasn't going to run. She gave his hand a squeeze, then let it go and put her hands lightly together in front of her waist. That was familiar since it was part of her pattern to work up the courage to face any large group of people she was insecure about standing in front of.
She closed her eyes and let the weight of the crown remind her of what was next and got into character, then turned to look at Michael with a good look-over. When she met his eyes again, they sparkled but he had a faint blush going. "I like it, Master Michael. I do wish we had more opportunities to see you dressed up like that. It suits you and is most proper really."
To cover his own embarrassment he held out his hand to her. She gave him her hand He bowed over it and kissed the back of it. "Thank you, Your Majesty. You are very stunningly lovely today yourself."
Her fingers tightened on his. "Thank you. And have you taken the opportunity to view the belle of the day?" she turned towards Akatsuki and smiled at the suddenly spotlighted woman.
Michael turned and bowed a gallant bow to Akatsuki, but didn't let go of Purrcy's hand just yet. "Lovely, indeed," he agreed.
Purrcy held out her free hand to Akatsuki and she a bit hesitantly but obediently came over to them. Purrcy freed her hand from Michael again and put both hands on Akatsuki's shoulders and kissed her forehead. "You are lovely indeed. Hold your head up proudly and smile all you want. Today is your day, Princess."
Michael held out his elbow to Akatsuki and she took it, finally giving him and then Purrcy a smile. Purrcy smiled back, then turned to Shiroe who had come closer. He seemed particularly nervous at the moment.
Purrcy smiled at Shiroe. "I suppose it's good she'll be beside you for most of it, then, given her beauty is so blindingly spell binding?" That made them both blush quite red. Purrcy felt it proper payment and took Shiroe's arm regally.
The simple circlet on his head caught her eye and she gave a bit of a nod to herself. He'd pulled that from his list, likely before yesterday. This was a proper time to wear it, really, the same as her own. She'd have to put it back for him, though, the same as she was going to have to put other things away as final clean-up before her own magic was taken away.
The two of them were, at the moment, the only ones wearing crowns. It hadn't surprised anyone they'd chosen to wear them, she supposed, but they were at the same time all relieved it wasn't them as well this time.
Purrcy took one more breath and looked up at the door and froze. Her next reaction was to hold on even tighter to Shiroe's arm since what she really wanted to do was run for the man in the doorway. "You talked him into it?" she asked breathlessly.
"He was willing," Shiroe agreed, looking to see who she was talking about.
Brenner continued on into the room, a small smile coming on his face at her reaction. "Hello, Hahaue."
She held her arms out for him and he was willing to embrace her. "Thank you so much for coming to do this so far from home," she said. She held the hug a little longer, happy to see another of her sons again, particularly this one, then she had to pull away and look at him, concerned. "Are you sure?"
Brenner looked at her with compassion. "I know this is hard for you, Mrs. Purrcy. Michael told me the whole story so I would be clear beforehand. You know that's what we do, too. It was kind of you to let Mister Nyanta return to his wife, and it was right, just like it was right for him to see to your care once circumstances became what they did.
"I can see no fault in it that God shouldn't bless. Even Christ asked for his most beloved disciple to take care of his mother when he knew he wouldn't be able to do it any longer on this Earth. I'm happy to officiate for you all, and honored to be asked."
Purrcy swallowed, then said a bit huskily, "Thank you, Brenner." He leaned over and gave her a kiss on her cheek and she had to fight tears again. "Rieze ...this is waterproof mascara, right?"
"Going to fountain on me early, are you?" Rieze asked with almost a dry threat.
"I keep trying," Purrcy admitted.
Rieze sighed. "Of course it is, but don't go rubbing it if you can help it. I've already given both Shiroe and Michael several handkerchiefs for you and you probably weren't paying attention when I tucked one in your waistband."
"Ah, no," Purrcy searched until she found it for future reference, the tears staying down for now. "Thank you for taking such good care of me, Rieze. Akatsuki you have yours?"
"For Shiroe, yes."
Purrcy looked over her shoulder at Akatsuki in surprise. She smiled a slight smirk back. "He's cried at every wedding we've been to so far and mostly at yours."
"I wonder if the joy of his own will offset it this time?" Purrcy answered back mildly. At Shiroe's wince Akatsuki laughed slightly. He got them going to distract them.
Naotsugu signaled and the quiet prelude music was changed to a more stately tune. Shiroe and Purrcy walked down the central aisle behind their official guards for the event, Stiletto and Bowie. Behind them came Akatsuki and Michael. Behind them were Marie and Naotsugu, also arm in arm. Then it was Henrietta and Gareth followed by Rieze and Tetorō. The remainder of their household followed behind.
They walked up the few steps onto the stand set in the front of the large room filled with rows of attendees. Friends and dignitaries sat shoulder to shoulder, warming the room. Stiletto and Bowie peeled off to stand at the front corners of the stage. Shiroe and Purrcy reached the central thrones and turned to face the room to stand waiting in front of them.
As each of the rest of their retinue reached them, they bowed or curtsied as was proper, then split to take their respective sides. For now Akatsuki and Michael stood at the back corners of their head royal's chairs as the King and Queen's Guards. There was an empty chair set to either side of the main thrones for them to sit in later.
Purrcy noted this time that Akatsuki had included a small fighting knife in a white sheath as part of her costume of the day and approved, like she did of Michael's sword. She was somewhat surprised to see Naotsugu had also included a sword in his ensemble. She was also pleased that they all had peace-bound their blades for the sake of their audience.
Naotsugu and Marielle were the first in colors other than white, although it was included everywhere to tie them all together. They stood next outside, Naotsugu on Shiroe's side and Marielle on Purrcy's. Henrietta went to Shiroe's side and Gareth to Purrcy's. Rieze went to Purrcy's side with Tetorō going to Shiroe's. It had been aesthetically pleasing to keep the alternating pattern of male and female on each side.
It also kept Gareth from hurting and Tetorō from being overly nervous. It was obvious Tetorō was still conflicted, wanting to also be closer to Purrcy, but he'd chosen to be Shiroe's this round so it was sufficient for him to be on Shiroe's side regardless. Purrcy was just glad he was there at all, the same as any of them.
Purrcy took a breath and stepped forward one step. "Thank you very much for coming today and honoring us with your presence. Because to the modern Japanese we've already fulfilled the legal requirements, please bear with us as we have a very nonstandard wedding celebration, although we've woven the elements we all expect to see within it.
"I think you may understand that my friends have been kind to take into consideration for this ceremony that I really quite love to role play, particularly royalty and nobility. Perhaps you can also enjoy with us the rare opportunity to see a full high court of medieval European nobility as we imagine they might have held them.
"We also welcome your participation. As it seems a good opportunity to, please feel free to clap, or laugh if we manage to be funny. The courts were held for everyone's entertainment, not just for the nobles, although certainly serious activities did - and will - take place." She stepped back to her place and gave her hand back to Shiroe. Together they sat in their thrones and the wedding court began.
-:-:-:-:-
"Their royal Majesties call into court BigMusclesBill, Tatara, and their guild members, Mei-Mao, and Luna." Tetorō's voice carried across the hall. In Japan it wasn't proper for him to call them Heika, so they'd determined that the European style court would have the European titles (said in English). They were using the Theldesian names of those being gifted because of the 'play' part of what they were doing, and it should protect those who needed protecting.
When the group called for had arrived and lined up across the stage front, they knelt on one knee so the audience could still see the "King" and "Queen". They'd decided to let everyone know the proper protocol from the beginning since this was as much publicity as anything and they should all play it right.
"Their royal Majesties wish to publicly thank the Royal Seamstress for her tireless efforts in their behalf for this celebration and court. They would also like to publicly thank the Royal Blacksmiths for once again creating the gifts they will give this day," Tetorō stated first. Henrietta opened the lined box holding the specially made rings and showed them to the audience, then took out the first one and held it up.
"To those who have served and been good friends, their royal Majesties wish to grant title of Baron or Baroness as appropriate to these their friends, if they only could, and gift them with a ring of the household of Log Horizon, to be a small symbol of their gratitude."
Tetorō's words were followed by Henrietta passing out the pawn rings, one by one. Each person put it on as they received them. The blacksmiths had all on their own made one for each of them, refusing to let the two get away with not including them.
As Henrietta reached the end of the line, Tetorō raised his voice again and said, "For the friends of their Majesties, you may congratulate them." The audience, grateful to receive the cue, clapped politely as the people at the front rose and left the stage after bowing to the royals.
"Their royal Majesties call forth Lady Isuzu, Lord Touya, Lady Minori, Gareth, Stiletto, and Bowie." The six of them left their posts and moved to kneel in front of the remainder, save Touya who only moved his wheelchair to be in the line.
"For their longstanding service above and beyond that which is normal and natural, their royal Majesties wish to grant title of Count and Countess to these their friends and companions. However, that's not legal, so they'll only get to play with those titles and wear rings of slightly higher status."
Tetorō played with it just enough that there were a few chuckles in the room from the more relaxed guests. They each received a knight ring, the juniors of Log Horizon happy to be moving up a level this time. In their case it was a promise that they just might be used into the future even on Earth. The clapping was a little more robust this time as the audience began to relax into their own role.
KR, Rieze, Isaac, Soujirou, and Nazuna were called up next, again with the unofficial Earthly titling to Marquis or Marchioness. The titles would be official in Akiba if they returned to Theldesia. Soujirou almost had to be dragged up by Nazuna, but she utterly refused to let him not go up.
The tears standing in his eyes drew a blown kiss from Purrcy, who would almost definitely be working on him after the formalities were done. When the bishop rings had been handed out, Tetorō excused them the same way he had the other two sets so the guests knew to clap again.
Tetorō spoke his next words, then had to move into position in front of the thrones with the others. "Their royal Majesties call forth Lord Naotsugu, Lord Tetorō, Lady Marielle, and Henrietta."
When they were in place, Michael did the honors. "For their service and long suffering tending to their Majesties, their royal Majesties wish to grant these the right to call themselves Duke or Duchess of Log Horizon when in the building of said guild, since anywhere else is illegal and pretend, although their Majesties' gratitude is as heartfelt and deep as the title. Please also accept your gifts from their Majesties."
Rieze had taken the ring box from Henrietta and she now pulled out rings and passed them down the line. They received the rooks, standing as the strength of the castles of stone for the two, before and now.
This time Shiroe and Purrcy rose from their chairs, followed by Touya and Minori as assistants. They walked the line giving the four not only rings, but white cloaks of fine make - enough to make them all look very suspiciously at Purrcy. Purrcy passed out hugs and Shiroe heartfelt handclasps, both ignoring the looks and not answering to them. Michael let the audience know they could clap for them also as they returned to their places.
Tetorō took a breath. They were actually almost done, really. "Their Majesties call forth Crusty." As Crusty rose from his chair in the audience, Tetorō could see Crusty's father finally relax in approval that his son hadn't been left out and was towards the important side of things.
When Crusty was on his knee in front of them dressed as formally as they were in a sharp black suit with black vest, short white gloves, folded white pocket handkerchief, and white bow tie, Purrcy and Shiroe rose to their feet to face him.
"We wouldn't be here today without you, Crusty," Shiroe said soberly. "We would still be on Theldesia. We also wouldn't have Log Horizon here and our Hahaue, Purrcy, with us. Thank you for all your hard work and support to this time. It isn't enough to name you to a court position in the guild. Instead we have something different to gift you with."
"Be it known to all present that His Majesty Shiroe and Her Majesty Purrcy hereby name Crusty as their heir-apparent and crown him Prince." It stuck in Tetorō's craw a little, but he understood. Crusty could push them where he couldn't. Favorite would remain his own title.
Naotsugu was standing next to Shiroe with a cloth-covered burden in both hands. Shiroe uncovered what was inside and pulled out a chain of office first. He set it over Crusty's head, settling it. Purrcy's eyes got very wide and she reached down and touched it lightly, then turned to the box Henrietta was holding.
She plucked up a ring and reached out her hand for Crusty's hand. He gave her a long-suffering look as she slipped it over his gloved finger, and she smiled slightly. Tetorō knew it was the Queen and that Crusty hated having it, even if it was the most powerful piece on the board.
"Even as you are heir to the head of the Round Table, you are also heir to the title of Caretaker of Yamato. Please continue to take care of my children, Crusty," Purrcy said. Crusty took a breath, then gave a nod. Tetorō decided he didn't want that kind of responsibility - Akiba and Caretaker of Yamato was rather large, and he wasn't that nice.
Shiroe reached to Naotsugu's hands again and picked up a circlet like his own and together he and Purrcy placed it on Crusty's head. "Please come stand behind and between the two of us, Crown Prince Crusty," Shiroe asked Crusty, in a loud enough voice to be heard by the audience.
They stepped back and Crusty rose to his feet and bowed to them, then moved to his position. Tetorō prompted the audience to cheer for Crusty and many did. Crusty's father clapped, pleased - although only for this venue. Technically Crusty was higher than the two of them in Japan. Still it was the highest they could do here ...and in Theldesia, come to think of it.
His job almost over, Tetorō cleared his throat. "His Majesty Shiroe calls for the King's Guard, Marchioness Akatsuki." She startled just a little, then moved from her position gracefully to kneel on both knees in front of the thrones, the train of her dress swirling gently behind her.
Shiroe looked at her, blinked, swallowed, and took a moment more to remember his lines. Akatsuki smiled at him and he went faintly pink. "Akatsuki-dono, you have been faithfully by my side for many years now and I can no longer live without you in that position. Will you please consent to be my wife and take the title of Consort to the King officially?"
"Yes, Shiroe-ō, I will, gladly." She answered clearly and her face beamed. Everyone who could see it was transfixed for a second and it was Tetorō's turn to jump and remember he was next.
"His Majesty calls forth the royal priest, Lord Brenner, to perform the proper wedding ceremony." There were murmurs of surprise from the audience as Brenner walked up from the front row. This was the secret surprise of the entire proceedings.
Shiroe rose and went to kneel next to Akatsuki, taking her hand in his. Brenner stood in front of them, facing the audience.
-:-:-:-:-
Akatsuki could feel Shiroe's hand trembling in hers and she put her other hand over his. It was a little surprising and kind of amusing that he was more frightened than the super-shy-she was. Of course, she hadn't had to say her line to the crowd. Just to him. That had been easy.
He took a deeper breath now that he also could forget the audience was there and let it out slowly, trying to relax. When his heart had calmed enough, he squeezed her hand and she took her top one back.
So far the court had been absolutely wonderful. Seeing all their friends receive even small recognition and seeing their smiles had been fun. Watching how serious both Shiroe and Purrcy had been about crowning Crusty heir-apparent and Prince had rather put her into a state of awe. They had both seemed like they were saying that he would really be those things and she had to wonder what it meant.
But to finally be called and have her turn; to have Shiroe next to her and this moment here - it made Akatsuki's heart soar. She almost couldn't hear the words Brenner was saying she was so high with happiness and excitement.
She tried to calm down enough to be at least polite. She did want to hear the words Shiroe had come up with for the ceremony. She already knew them, having read them since he'd wanted her opinion of if she thought they would work.
She couldn't hold on to them in this moment, however, for all she tried. The words came and filled her with sober happiness, gratitude, and hope, but the words wouldn't stay like the emotions were. She finally had to give up trying to remember the words and allow the emotions to keep her lifted.
She recognized when Brenner added his own words to remind them that God would also be watching over them and their marriage, but she didn't mind him including them. She understood that he also had his faith. They already had met so many different kinds of kami that to add in one more wasn't going to hurt them by now. She felt, from what she'd heard in their own guild the times he'd taught them, that Brenner's God was a rather nice god, all considered.
He reached the end of his words and smiled at them. That meant it was their turn again.
Henrietta came one more time and handed a ring to Brenner. He held it in his hand, blessed it, and handed it to Shiroe. Shiroe took it and slipped it on Akatsuki's left ring finger then repeated after Brenner, "With this ring, I thee wed." It was the knight, but it had a diamond placed in the horse's eye. Her heart clenched with great pride to see it on her finger.
Then Brenner was blessing another ring and handing it to Akatsuki. She slipped it on Shiroe's left ring finger and repeated the phrase, awe coloring her voice that she would finally be in this time and place, really marrying her lord and her love. The king with it's ruby set above the crown glowed in her eyes.
She looked up from the ring to Shiroe's eyes and she almost cried to see the love in his own eyes. He leaned in and kissed her. "Thank you, Akatsuki," he whispered.
"I pronounce you husband and wife." They already were, though, so it was okay the kiss came first. It had been perfect.
As Brenner stepped back out of the way, Shiroe rose to his feet again and Purrcy joined him, holding a small white pillow in her hands. Shiroe picked up the tiara that was on it and turned to Akatsuki. "I name you my Consort and Princess Akatsuki of Log Horizon."
Shiroe settled the small crown on Akatsuki's head then helped her stand up, her skirt being a bit of a problem as long ones would be. He turned her around and she forced herself to curtsy instead of bow.
As the crowd clapped he led her back to the lesser throne next to his tall-backed one and sat her there next to him (she had to accept a Hahaue-kiss from Purrcy before they could get there). Once Akatsuki was sitting down, then she could breathe again.
Her smile wouldn't stay down, so she didn't make it. Today - she was the Princess and was allowed to be as happy as she wanted to be, which was the happiest she'd ever been in her life.
-:-:-:-:-
Tetorō said his next-to-last line. "Is there any further business before the court of their Majesties Shiroe and Purrcy?" Michael swallowed and consciously took long deep breaths.
Again, there was some confusion from the audience. When no one else came up or thought they even could, Michael stepped out from behind Purrcy's chair and knelt on one knee in front of the thrones, one hand on his sword to keep the tip up and out of his way. The room was very quiet. "King Shiroe, I beg a boon."
"If it is a right and proper thing and within my power, I am willing to hear it," Shiroe answered.
"I've spoken with Nyanta-sama out of concern for Queen Purrcy's welfare now that she's back on Earth with none to care for her. It is his regret that due to his Earthly requirements and constraints he can't be the husband to her here that he was to her on Theldesia. His love and concern for her remain the same now as they were then."
Michael paused just a moment, then said, "After discussion between the two of us we have reached an agreement that will allow for Queen Purrcy to continue to be cared for on Earth. Will you please accept the arrangement as well and bless her and my union in marriage?"
"Are you asking that Queen Purrcy take on another contractual marriage?" Shiroe asked Michael.
"No, King Shiroe. I love her with all my heart and have properly asked her if she would consider my proposal and request, and have allowed her the time to freely consider it," Michael answered seriously.
Shiroe turned to Purrcy. "And have you an answer to this proposal of Nyanta-dono and Master Michael?"
"I have," Purrcy bowed her head to him. "I am willing to accept Master Michael as my husband of Earth." She had both of her hands in her lap but she was doing well and not clutching them tightly together.
Shiroe turned back to Michael. "I'm willing to grant you the boon you request; however, now that I have an heir-apparent who also must see to her welfare, he must also accept it."
Michael looked at Crusty. Crusty looked back soberly in consideration, then bowed his head slightly. "Knowing that Nyanta-dono and you have properly talked, I'm willing to grant it as well. The well-being and safety of Hahaue is of paramount importance to our guild and family. Please see you take good care of her."
Michael put his free hand to his breast and bowed over it. "I will," he promised.
Shiroe rose, took Purrcy's hand in his, and helped her stand. Crusty went to her other side and together they walked her to Michael. Crusty helped support her as she knelt beside Michael, facing the thrones, then the two went back to their places again.
Michael shifted from the one-knee kneel to two knees as Brenner arrived in front of them in his place again. He smiled at them both and began his sermon and the ceremony for the second time.
The reminders to care tenderly for each other, respecting their pasts as they moved forward with faith and hope into the future was just as calming and needed as it had ever been in the wedding ceremony of the Adventurers of Theldesia. Even with the slight twist for Earth, it helped calm Michael's rapidly beating heart, as did the reminders to look to God for the way to walk forward properly.
Michael knew how to be calm on the outside regardless of what happened, but he was probably more concerned now than he'd ever been under fire. This wasn't the worry of potential sudden death. This was the concern of the long future ahead and the fear that came with knowing that from now on Purrcy would be relying on him more than ever. He would have to be strong for that long, even if he did have moments of weakness she helped him with.
Knowing she would be there for him added to his emotions of the moment because he yearned for her with the deep need that had driven him to even try to help bring her home to begin with. The combination was rough on his heart at the moment and he breathed slowly and with intention to keep it beating properly.
The blessed ring came to him and he slipped it on Purrcy's ring finger. "With this ring, I thee wed." The queen on the ring was surrounded by a circle of small diamonds and he stared at it for a moment, until she asked for his hand.
The knight ring slipped on his finger, the eye of the horse being set with a sapphire, warmly encircling his flesh as it passed over until it was settled next to his palm. He felt both slightly trapped suddenly and at the same time very relieved that it was done and they were joined together.
"...I thee wed," Michael heard and his eyes closed, refusing to let the tears out as his heart melted. Purrcy had done it and not fled from him.
He heard Brenner's voice and leaned in to kiss her tenderly, his hands holding hers. "Thank you, Purrcy," he whispered as they parted.
"I love you, Michael," she answered him also in a whisper.
That was all it took and he had to fish for his handkerchief, being the sentimental sort of guy he was. He'd only been waiting four hard years and countless more to hear those words was all.
-:-:-:-:-
Purrcy gently slipped her hands out of Michael's as he fished for his handkerchief and rose to her feet, Shiroe helping her up. Marielle arrived next to them.
Purrcy had almost not allowed this part, not wanting the crown to leave her possession, but their strenuous arguments to the lack of wisdom of having a crown suddenly appear in her hands finally won out. (Shiroe had put his foot down and then reassured her by personally promising to see to its safety while it wasn't in her possession.)
She paused just a moment more for Michael to put his handkerchief away, tucked just inside his jacket to be at hand again, then turned to pick up the crown. It was a simple circlet, similar to Shiroe's and Crusty's, but thinner by a few millimeters. At four equidistant points around it were set oval stones that looked like large white opals with lines of blue, pink, and yellow glowing through the white.
Opals this large on Earth would have been very expensive. They were a Theldesian stone, however, so even more rare. She was hoping that people would think "paste" jewelry when they saw them this once in public.
She lifted the crown and carefully set it on Michael's head. "I name you Consort to the Queen, Second Prince Michael of Log Horizon." Shiroe said it with her since they figured the male heads of corporations present would need to have the King doing it to make it official.
When they stepped back, Shiroe helped Michael rise to his feet. Purrcy slipped her hand into Michael's elbow and walked him to seat him in the minor throne next to hers. Once they were seated, and Michael was wiping his eyes again briefly, Shiroe faced the audience.
"Thank you very much for coming to our court and to our weddings. Refreshments have been provided by Mikakage's Creations and West Wind Brigade guild. We are grateful to them for their efforts in our behalf. We are also grateful for those who have been security and on hand for medical support.
"Please feel free to join us in the reception hall after we have recessed. We look forward to continuing to serve with you into the future." He bowed, but not enough to lose his circlet, and returned to his seat.
"All rise for their royal Majesties, Shiroe and Purrcy, and their Consorts and Heir-apparent." Tetorō's closing line rang in the room and everyone rose. Purrcy waited for Shiroe and the very happy Akatsuki to walk forward first. Then she went second with Michael. If they actually had repeat courts, this would be the only time. It should always be the King and Queen and then the heir apparent, then the prince and princess.
Akatsuki's eyes had begged so much that Purrcy had caved, not able to take that final happiness from her on her wedding day. Crusty came after the two couples this time, then the rest again in their patterns with Brenner coming last.
They greeted their guests at the entrance to the reception hall in the same order they'd walked out until they couldn't feel their feet any longer, then were finally released to circulate through the guests and attempt to find any food anywhere and drink which was even more desired by that point.
Purrcy was grateful when Minori appeared with said drinks in her hands. Touya was behind her with plates balanced on his lap for Purrcy and Michael. "These are the best deserts at the table. We figure you won't get to taste them otherwise," Touya winked at them from his wheelchair.
"No, we wouldn't," Purrcy agreed, having experienced it the first time. Michael nodded, likely having the same experience. "You've done the same for Akatsuki and Shiroe, I hope."
"Yes, we served them first," Minori promised.
Purrcy smiled at her and she seemed relieved to see the smile, smiling back in return. Touya was turning the ring on his finger. "Is it not to your liking?" Purrcy asked him.
He suddenly stopped. "No. It is. I'm grateful." He hesitated and Purrcy smiled.
"Remember, I do like to leave a little leeway to continue to have further courts into the future," she lightly teased him.
Touya blushed and looked away, then shook his head a little. "No, rather, I was hoping it would go with me, and not be left behind, or I'll still be a pawn there."
Purrcy smiled a secret smile. "Oh..., I think that perhaps certain things will travel with us."
Touya's face cleared and then his eyes widened as he considered the implications of that comment. Purrcy didn't elaborate, merely continued to eat her refreshments, letting him think what he would.
When they handed the little plates and cups back it seemed to be a signal and music was struck up. Purrcy's head came up and Michael chuckled softly, turning her towards the part of the reception hall that had been opened up.
He pet her ears down, as if rubbing her head, so she knew they were still spirit. She went for the illusion option since there was no way she was going to be keeping them down, nor the tails hidden. She'd been waiting to dance with Michael for a long, long time now, and she finally had permission to.
Of course there's a song. You didn't think I'd leave the wedding without one, surely? Michael picked for their bride and groom dance the song Time in a Bottle, written by James Croce. Please see: TechnoMagus Playlist: patr(e)on dot com slash posts slash 38313670